Overview
- The National Growth Areas Alliance, representing 29 outer-suburban councils, says developers could start about 82,000 dwellings now if sewers, roads and water were in place.
- Alliance officials warn sewer extensions are the biggest impediment and estimate roughly one-third of potential builds are delayed by absent basic services.
- Up to 310,000 of the federal 1.2 million-home target by mid-2029 would need to be delivered in outer suburbs, yet the program is already at least 60,000 homes behind schedule.
- The federal government’s $3 billion fast‑track payments are tied to states exceeding targets, drawing criticism from councils and independents who want funds brought forward for enabling works.
- Economists say infrastructure spending can unlock homes at roughly $10,000–$20,000 per dwelling versus $300,000–$500,000 for some subsidies, as affordability worsens with a median price near $872,500 and a supply shortfall estimated at 200,000–300,000 homes.